More from WDBJ7.com

On Wednesday morning the Roanoke-based corporation announced it will acquire General Parts International. The $2 billion deal will create the largest aftermarket auto parts provider in North America.

General Parts International has 1,200 company stores and 1,400 independently-owned Carquest locations throughout the U.S.

Advance Auto Parts president George Sherman says the headquarters will remain in Roanoke.

“I think your hometown company just got bigger and just took a leadership position,” Sherman said. “And that means we continue to be based here. That means we have more contractors and vendors and visitors coming into Roanoke. That means an awful lot for the airport and rental cars and for hotels and for restaurants. And I think it has a good cascading effect across the entire valley.”

Advance is acquiring a company known for the Carquest brand. The deal will add 2,600 company and independently owned locations to the Advance network.

A major advantage to the deal is what it will mean to Advance's commercial business with auto repair shops, a key element of its recent growth strategy over the last few years.

When we first met Advance CEO Darren Jackson five years ago, he told us his goal was to double the size of the company.

The company says this deal will create the largest aftermarket parts provider in North America, with combined sales of 9.2 billion and will accomplish that.

• Creates the largest automotive aftermarket parts provider in North America with combined sales of over $9.2 billion

• Expected to generate annual synergies of $160 million within three years of closing

• Estimated to deliver significant FY14 Cash EPS(1) accretion of more than 20% excluding one-time costs to achieve synergies and an increase in the low teens including one-time costs to achieve synergies

ROANOKE, VA, October 16, 2013 - Advance Auto Parts, Inc. (NYSE: AAP), a leading provider of automotive aftermarket parts, accessories, batteries, and maintenance items, announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire General Parts International, Inc.(GPII), a leading privately held distributor and supplier of original equipment and aftermarket replacement products for commercial markets operating under the CARQUEST and WORLDPAC brands, in an all-cash transaction with an enterprise value of $2.04 billion. The transaction hasbeen approved by the boards of directors of both companies.

The transaction creates the largest automotive aftermarket parts provider in North America, with annual sales of over $9.2 billion and more than 70,000 Team Members. The strong combined financial profile allows for an all-cashtransaction and supports Advance’s commitment to maintain its investment grade rating. The acquisition of GPII will accelerate Advance’s growth strategy and enhance shareholder value through the following strategic benefits:

• Delivers Scale – Provides Advance with complete coast-to-coast coverage across North America, creating a company with scale, reach and expanded growth opportunities benefiting shareholders, customers and team members. This presence in new markets allows Advance the ability to expand its geographic footprint in anefficient manner.

• Accelerates Complementary Market Opportunities – Expands Advance’s product and category offerings in both core and new product lines (i.e. paint and heavy duty), creates new sales channel with independent customers and broadens ability to grow with attractive customer segments such as larger bay garages, import specialists, national accounts and fleet and government programs.

• Strengthens Leading Brands and Capabilities – Enhances Advance’s ability to serve customers through the transfer of CARQUEST’s commercial capabilities and Team Member parts knowledge into Advance stores while expanding DIY into select company operated CARQUEST stores. The combination expands key capabilities incustomer service through enhanced daily replenishment and customer loyalty programs to a larger truck fleet and a significantly expanded commercial sales team.

Darren Jackson, Chief Executive Officer of Advance Auto Parts states O. Temple Sloan, III President of General Parts International, Inc. will continue as President of GPII, reporting to Mr. Jackson and is expected to join the Advance Auto Parts Board of Directors. The combined company will be headquartered in Roanoke, Virginia and will continue to maintain a presence in Raleigh, N.C.

Mr. Jackson said, “This transformational transaction provides a compelling strategic opportunity for Advance to expand our geographic presence and commercial capabilities to better serve customers. The addition of 1,246 company operated stores and 1,418 independently owned CARQUEST locations provides us with an immediate platform and scale across North America, full market coverage and the opportunity to position ourselves as the market leader in the commercial business. We believe the combination of the two companies is a great fit and thesynergy of GPII’s assets with our capabilities will allow us to capitalize on market opportunities that will create value for our shareholders and provide even better service to our customers. We welcome and look forward to working with the talented leaders and team members from GPII.”

Mr. Sloan said, “We are excited to bring together two highly complementary automotive aftermarket companies. The combination with Advance Auto Parts is the next logical step in our company’s evolution. Advance’s retail presence, strong capability infrastructure and acquisition integration experience combined with GPII’s leadership in the commercial, independent and import segments creates a powerful platform to drive profitable growth. With a more robust offering and a shared focus on best-in-class customer service, our combined business will continue todeliver value for customers and shareholders.”

Financial BenefitsAdvance anticipates that the transaction will result in approximately $160 million of annual run-rate synergies to be fully realized within three years after closing. The transaction is also expected to generate considerable free cash flow and deliver significant estimated FY14 Cash EPS(1) accretion of more than 20% excluding one-time costs to achieve synergies and a percentage increase in the low teens including one-time costs to achieve synergies.Advance Auto Parts intends to finance the acquisition through a combination of senior notes, bank debt and existingcash on hand. Following the transaction, Advance expects to continue to have a solid balance sheet supported bythe strong cash flow of the combined business. In connection with the transaction, Advance has received a financingcommitment from JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. with the senior notes offering and bank debt syndication expected to occur prior to closing.

Comments

The views expressed are not those of this company or its affiliated companies. Please note by clicking on "Post" you acknowledge that you have read the Terms Of Service and the comment you are posting is in compliance with such terms.